BORN TO BURN: Junee teen lands Summernats wildcard in Darwin

JUNEE teenager Laine Smallmon has announced himself on the national burnout scene in spectacular fashion, claiming victory against some of Australia’s best drivers and securing a coveted wildcard to one of the country’s biggest motorsport events.

Competing at Gazzanats 2026 in Darwin on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, the 17-year-old claimed victory in the Naturally Aspirated (N/A) burnout class, overcoming a field of more than 100 competitors from across Australia, including several with international experience.

Watch Laine’s performance on the burnout pad in the video above.

The win earned Laine an authentic Northern Territory crocodile head trophy and, more importantly, a coveted wildcard entry that could see him lining up alongside Australia’s elite burnout drivers at Summernats next year.

It marks a significant milestone in what is shaping as a promising motorsport career for the Junee teenager.

Laine Smallmon | Image: Supplied

The achievement was made even more remarkable by the success of Laine’s father, Chris Smallmon, 42, who finished runner-up in the highly competitive Blown class against many of the sport’s biggest names.

Together, the father-and-son duo delivered an outstanding result for Junee on one of Australia’s premier burnout stages.

Image: Mint Sauce Photography

Chris and wife Katie spent three days driving through the heart of Australia with an enclosed car trailer before arriving in Darwin on Sunday, June 28.

Laine flew north two days later, meeting his blue Holden VY ute, NEXLVL, after it had been transported from Wagga Wagga with a convoy of other competition vehicles.

His father campaigned the eye-catching yellow Holden VY Commodore, BLWNVY, in the Blown class, with both cars turning heads throughout the two-day event.

Image: Rachel Pitt Photography

Image: Rachel Pitt Photography

After two days of intense competition, the Smallmons returned home with two podium finishes and two distinctive crocodile head trophies handcrafted especially for Gazzanats.

While Chris had already secured his place in the Summernats Masters competition, Laine’s class victory earned him a wildcard opportunity that could see the teenager lining up alongside his father against the very best burnout drivers in the country at Summernats 2027.

From left; Pete Thomsen, Chris Smallmon, Robert Cottrell, Laine Smallmon | Image: Supplied